The Effect of Mechanical Obstruction of the Hepatic Veins Upon the Outflow of Lymph from the Thoracic Duct

Abstract

Simple mechanical obstruction of the hepatic veins in otherwise normal dogs increases the outflow of lymph from the thoracic duct from 2.4 to 6.2 times, with an average increase of 5.2 times, the normal. This increase in the outflow of lymph is almost identical with the average increase (5.45 times) observed by Petersen, Jaffé, Levinson and Hughs in anaphylactic shock, but was much less than that recorded by them in peptone shock. Since it has been previously shown by us that little or no blood escapes from the liver during the height of anaphylactic and peptone shock it is suggested (a) that the engorgement of the liver due to obstruction to outflow of blood may be an important factor in the increased output of lymph from the thoracic duct in these two types of shock; (b) that this may be the chief cause in anaphylactic shock; and (c) that there is an additional factor, probably increased permeability of the sinusoidal endothelium, in peptone shock. It is further suggested that the substance produced when the homologous serum passes through the liver of a sensitized dog is not entirely identical in its action with peptone. It at least seems to lack the powerful direct lymphogogic effect of peptone.